Assessing the Impact of Nuclear Mass Models on the Prediction of Synthesis Cross Sections for Superheavy Elements

Abstract

Within the framework of the dinuclear system model, this study delves into the impact of various nuclear mass models on evaluating the fusion probability of superheavy nuclei. Nuclear mass models, as crucial inputs to the DNS model, exhibit slight variations in binding energy, quadrupole deformation, and extrapolation ability; these subtle differences can significantly influence the model's outcomes. Specifically, the study finds that nuclear mass plays a pivotal role in determining fusion probability, and Q-value. By numerically solving a set of master equations, the study examines how binding energies from different mass models affect the fusion probability of colliding nuclei, taking the example of $^{48}$Ca + $^{243}$Am $\rightarrow$ $^{291}$Mc. A careful analysis of the potential energy surface (PES) reveals that the inner fusion barriers lead to variations in fusion probabilities. Importantly, the study demonstrates that the synthesis cross sections of superheavy nuclei calculated using different nuclear mass models align well with experimental data, falling within an error range of one order of magnitude. This finding underscores the reliability of our model predictions. Looking ahead, the study utilizes five distinct nuclear mass models to predict the synthesis cross sections of superheavy elements 119 and 120, along with their associated uncertainties. These predictions offer valuable insights into the feasibility of synthesizing these elusive elements and pave the way for future experimental explorations.